barb

1. The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.
2. A hurtful or disparaging remark. (figuratively) · to trade barbs
3. A beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it.
4. A barbel on a fish's face.
5. One of the many side branches of a feather, which collectively constitute the vane.
6. Any of various species of freshwater carp-like fish that have barbels and belong to the cyprinid family.
7. The sciaenid fish Menticirrhus americanus, found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. (US)
8. A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.

Plural barbs